Fat Lads Guide To Black Pudding

Black Pudding What Is There Not To Enjoy?

As a Northern bloke, I’ve eaten this as long as I can remember, going back to the 1970s when I was a kid. It’s one of these types of food that people either like, they want to try it or they just curl their nose at.

Where does black pudding come from?

Black Pudding is a popular dish in England which originated in the North West of the country. As a Yorkshireman though. I do say our produce is much better than from the other side of the Pennines, from places such as Bury.

Does black pudding have a lot of calories?

Black Pudding is fairly calorific due to the ingredients that go into its production. Men should consume no more than 150g (5oz) per day and women should only eat 100g (3.5oz). The calorie content for this amount of black pudding is:

Calories: 628

Fat: 44g

Carbohydrates: 14g (of which sugars): 5.4g

Fibre: 11g

Protein: 27.5g

Salt: 3.1 g (equivalent as salt is 40% sodium)

However, claiming that it contains no carbohydrates seems to be incorrect, since blood is a very complex mixture of substances and it will contain many different types of sugar. Also, the salt content is rather high, so this should really only be used sparingly in case it raises your blood pressure.

Is black pudding bad for you?

No, not at all. Black Pudding sticks firmly to its “Traditional British Food” credentials, being high in protein and rich in iron. It is also very low carb, which means that it is suitable for those following a keto diet.

 

Is black pudding good for you?

Yes – Black Pudding is packed full of important nutrients that are vital to keeping you in good health. As nutritionist Dr Rana Conway agrees: “Black pudding is very rich in iron, which is important in pregnancy to help avoid anaemia and produce healthy red blood cells.”

 

Is black pudding gluten free?

Yes, Black Pudding does not contain any traces of gluten so it can be enjoyed by people with Coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Can you eat bury black pudding raw or not?

Yes, because black puddings are cooked, so therefore are not actually raw,  before being packaged and are safe to be eaten cold, straight from the pack, if you choose. The only exception here is if you have bought your black pudding loose from a raw meat counter. Then it should not be eaten cold and must be heated thoroughly in case it has come into contact with other raw meat products.

How do you make homemade black pudding?

There are plenty of recipes for making Homemade Black Pudding online, however I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone who is short on time as it does take a bit of work.

It is very difficult to describe a recipe for making black pudding as it can vary from place to place and between different manufacturers. Instead, I would recommend buying your produce locally from where you live or from a shop that you know produces high quality products.

Can you freeze black pudding?

Quite simply, yes you can freeze it.

If you are freezing Black Pudding, remove all packaging and wrap in tin foil before placing into a freezer bag. This will prevent any ‘freezer burn’ which would affect the quality of your product when defrosted.

Black Pudding can be frozen for up to 6 months in a standard freezer. It is advisable not to freeze for longer than this as the quality of your product will be affected if it goes past its ‘use by’ date.

Once defrosted, it should ideally be consumed within 24 hours and either used cold or warmed through thoroughly before use.

How long does black pudding last in the fridge?

Black Pudding should not be stored in the fridge, it is best served at room temperature.

However if you are planning on keeping Black pudding for any length of time, make sure to keep it well wrapped until you are ready to serve it. It can last for up to 3 days when properly stored. If you do intend to store black pudding beyond this time, place it in the freezer where it should last for up to 6 months.

Please note that freezing Black Pudding will affect its texture and make it harder to slice. This is why we recommend storing it at room temperature until you are ready to use it.

 

Can you eat black pudding skin?

Yes, the skin of black pudding is entirely edible. It can sometimes be slightly tougher than the rest  but it still adds an interesting texture to your meal.

Are there any cooking methods that shouldn’t be used when cooking black pudding?

Yes, Black Pudding should never be microwaved because this will cause it to ‘puff’ up and could even make it burst. It is best cooked on the hob in a frying pan, grilled or baked in the oven.

How do you cook black pudding?

For cooking Black Pudding, simply fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or you can bake in a pre-heated oven. Black pudding can be cooked from frozen without any loss of quality so you could always keep some in the freezer to save time when you want a quick breakfast.

At what temperature should black pudding be cooked?

Black Pudding should always be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C or it is piping hot throughout.

 

How do you cook black pudding on the stove?

On the Stove, Black Pudding can be cooked by frying it in a pan for 3-4 minutes on each side. This method will heat your serving through to its core and give it an extra crisp exterior.

If you are cooking multiple servings of black pudding at once then use a large pan to prevent them from sticking together.

How long do you cook black pudding on the stove?

Black Pudding should be cooked on each side for 3-4 minutes, however this will differ based on how hot your hob is and how thickly you have sliced your portions. It may also take slightly longer if it is straight from the freezer.

If you are cooking multiple servings of black pudding then once again it is best to leave them for an extra minute or two in order to achieve an even cook throughout.

How do you fry black pudding on the stove?

Frying Black Pudding on the stove is a great method when you want this to be piping hot.

Heat a little vegetable oil in your pan and fry your black pudding for 3-4 minutes on both sides until it is golden brown and heated through. Depending on how much you are cooking this could take anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes so it pays to be patient while testing each side before serving.

Is black pudding safe when pregnant?

Although there is no evidence to suggest that Black or White Pudding is unsafe for pregnant women, we would recommend avoiding it during the first trimester due to the possible presence of listeria. It may be worth speaking to your doctor if you are concerned about this and he will be able to advise.

Does the iron content in black pudding make it a healthy food during pregnancy, or should it be avoided?

The iron content  varies between brands but it is generally around the 10% of your daily intake.

This iron is very important for pregnant women and you can find this in much easier to absorb forms from other food sources which don’t contain any risk factors.

In your opinion, what makes black pudding a healthy part of a balanced diet?

The fact that black pudding is low in both fats and sugar makes it a healthy food. It also contains more iron than most other foods which can sometimes be difficult to consume enough of without becoming unwell.

Would you recommend including black pudding as part of a balanced diet during pregnancy?

Yes, I would recommend including this as part of a balanced diet during pregnancy. But then I would do so, if you already have eaten this prior.

The benefit it can have for both mum and baby is great, especially during the early months when your iron levels are critical to both you and your child’s health.

 

Is there a recommended amount of black pudding per day?

The amount you should eat per day varies depending on your age, gender and whether or not you are pregnant. However the general rule is that adults should aim to eat no more than two servings each week. This equates to around 100g (3.5oz) for women and 150g (5oz) for men.

 

 

Can you eat black pudding when breastfeeding?

Absolutely! Although you should continue avoiding unpasteurised foods, such as soft or semi-soft cheeses, while breastfeeding. You can enjoy eating it from a pasteurised source and there is no need to avoid it at all if you have been enjoying it prior to pregnancy.

 

What can you do with black pudding?

Black Pudding goes fantastically well with mashed potato and fried eggs to create the perfect “full English breakfast”. It can also be included in many other dishes such as pies, sauces and even salads to add a rich flavour. Black Pudding Benedict is one option!